Romans 8:16

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

The Holy Spirit Himself bears testimony [along] with our [human] spirit that we are the children of God.

Cross References

1 John 4:13

This is [one way] to know we live in [fellowship with] God and that He lives in our hearts: [It is] because He has given us His Holy Spirit [to live within us, See 3:24].

2 Corinthians 1:22

He has placed His seal of ownership upon us by giving us the down payment of the Holy Spirit [to live] in our hearts.

2 Corinthians 5:5

Now God is the One who has prepared us for this very thing [i.e., the receiving of a new body to live in]. He has [also] given us the Holy Spirit as a down payment. [Note: This refers to the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit as being a guarantee that we will receive the balance of our inheritance in the form of a new body].

Ephesians 1:13

You [Gentiles] also, who are in Christ, after having heard the message of truth, the good news about your salvation, and [after] believing in Him, were sealed [i.e., as evidence of ownership] with the promised Holy Spirit. [or, “the Holy Spirit who brings promises”].

Romans 8:26

And in the same way, the Holy Spirit helps [us in] our weakness; for we do not know what we ought to pray for [Note: Some translators understand this as “how to pray”]. But the Holy Spirit goes to God on our behalf with groanings [in our hearts] that are not expressed [in words].

Ephesians 4:30

And do not grieve God’s Holy Spirit by whom you were sealed [i.e., given evidence of God’s ownership] until the day of redemption [i.e., until you receive your new body in heaven. See 1:14].

2 Corinthians 1:12

For this is what we boast of: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, in holiness and godly sincerity, not with human wisdom, but with the favor of God.

Romans 8:23

And not just the world, but even we [Christians] ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Holy Spirit [i.e., the first installment of our inheritance from God] also groan within us, eagerly waiting to be adopted as [God’s] children, and receive back our bodies [i.e., in the resurrection].

1 John 5:10

The person who [sincerely] believes in God’s Son has the evidence [of it] within his heart, [confirming God’s testimony]. The person who does not believe God [i.e., what He says about Jesus], accuses Him of lying, because he has not accepted the [irrefutable] testimony of God concerning [the identity and mission of] His Son.

Matthew 5:9

“Those persons who attempt to make peace [between people] are blessed because they will be called God’s children.

Luke 20:36

For they cannot die anymore either, because they are equal to the angels and are children of God, as well as children of the resurrection [i.e., people who are assured of being resurrected].

John 1:12

But He gave all those who did welcome Him the opportunity of becoming children of God by believing in His name [i.e., as the Messiah].

Acts 5:32

We apostles are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to every person who obeys Him.”

Romans 8:14

For all of those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Romans 8:19

For [all] creation [Note: “Creation” here refers to the material heavens and earth, and is personified through verse 23] is eagerly waiting for the children of God to be revealed [i.e., in their glorious state].

Romans 9:8

This means that it is not the physical descendants [of Abraham] who are God’s children, but it is the children [born] according to [God’s] promise who are [Abraham’s true] descendants.

Romans 9:26

[Hosea 1:10 says], “And it will happen that in the very place where people were told, ‘You people do not belong to me [i.e., God],’ they will be called children of the living God.”

2 Corinthians 6:18

The Lord Almighty [also] said [Hos. 1:10], “I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me.”

Galatians 3:26

For all of you are children of God through your faith in Christ Jesus [as God’s only Son].

Galatians 4:6

And because you are [His] children, God sent the Holy Spirit of His Son into our hearts, to call out, “Abba,” [which means] “Father.”

1 John 3:1

Look at how much love the Father has shown to us [Christians], that we should be called His children! But, that is what we [really] are! The reason the people of the world do not know who we are is because they do not know who God [really] is.

1 John 3:2

Dearly loved ones, we are God’s children now, but it has not yet been revealed [to us] what we will be [in the future life, Luke 20:34-36]. But, we do know this, however, that when Jesus is revealed [i.e., at His second coming], we will be like Him [I Cor. 15:49], for we will see what He really looks like!

1 John 3:10

Here is how the children of God and the children of the devil can be recognized: All those who do not continue to do what is right do not belong to God. Also, the person who does not continue to love his brother [or sister does not belong to God].

Revelation 21:7

The person who has victory [in the Christian life] will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my child.